How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a lot of options when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us choose the right one for you.
You should choose a stroller which is easy to fold, push and carry. Look for a model that can hold two infant car seats or a toddler who has a riderboard.
Safety
If you want to ensure your children are safe while walking make sure you choose a double stroller with features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels allow you to navigate trails and gravel without your children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers have plenty of storage space to store equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the right double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, some do come with a variety of options that let you choose the seating that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are great for children of similar ages that are keen to interact. Certain models feature a double-decker design, which allows you to place one of the seats above the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into a bassinet attached to the frame or in a standalone attachment that gives you a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or have twins then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For families that are more adventurous consider a double stroller that can take on off-road terrains or even hike. A lot of these strollers were developed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that will let you take them on any adventure no matter how rough or high the climbs may be.
In addition to all-terrain tires the top double strollers feature thoughtful features that make getting around tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stoller, for example, has a wrist loop, so you can make sure your child is safe when going downhill at a higher speed or in harsh weather conditions. It also has a canopy with full coverage that is ventilated to keep your kids cool during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs just 23 pounds, making it lighter than some single strollers, and ideal to take on air travel or for storing in trunks and overhead compartments. It also comes with a large storage basket and an integrated parking brake that is easy to use.
Seating
Double strollers of today are more sleek and can be arranged in a variety of ways to fit your family. Some double strollers can be used as side-byside models, and others, like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers seats as well as bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights to accommodate children from newborns through kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to maneuver and fold, while allowing you to adjust the height of the handlebar to ensure you're comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar should be comfortable to hold, and it should allow you to walk in a proper posture (ask parents for advice on this). It should come with a variety of storage options to accommodate everything your children need.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller may be the best choice for your family. The seats of these models are positioned side by side, enabling you to engage with them both and keep an eye on both of them at the same time. They also recline independently so that one child can nap and the other is ready to go.
The drawback of twin strollers is that it can be wider than a single-occupant model and can make it difficult to navigate walkways, aisles for shopping and narrow doors. But for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double is a great choice. Its shock absorption, sleek design and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children -- make it a great option for city-living.
A wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. The model is basic but it comes with plenty of storage and seating space. It also has heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also comes with a canopy that has 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline to a completely flat position, making it difficult for smaller children to be comfortable or reach their snack trays.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are typically a large investment that you will use for many years. When shopping for one you must ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and include numerous features that are convenient.
All strollers we tested can be folded easily and compactly with just one hand. They are light and are ideal for traveling. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Many of our test subjects discovered that their strollers could be folded down much smaller than their single-seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is double stroller with lots of options that will grow with your family. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, meaning you can use it from birth until preschool age. click the following page is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives ample protection from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. The stroller is light and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches wide when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly a full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for every child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake which makes this stroller simple to move and use.
The only drawbacks of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to this model. Kerry says that the packaging is smart and enjoyable, however, it comes in five boxes which can be a bit heavy to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use and took her some time before she could get it to work. She was satisfied with the stroller in the end and would recommend it.
Stores
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) designs, and many allow you to customize your setup with a bassinet or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards which can be added for older children. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are sleek and easy to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold and store.
If you're looking to purchase a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of less than 23 pounds. It's also easy to fold and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.
UPPAbaby's Vista v2 double is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, a toddler seat and a bassinet. There are no adapters needed. The rear seat can be removed to create a quad or triple stroller. It comes with a huge basket for storage, and can be upgraded with a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as well with side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers multiple customization options. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. That's because toddlers often have limitations in endurance, and a stroller with the bassinet attachment can provide them with a safe spot to rest for a nap. She suggests that a double stroller must also include a harness system that is reliable and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for snacks and toys.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and the versatility. It's gate-check-friendly for airlines and fits through most doors (without having to remove the front wheels) and can be expanded into a quad or triple stroller with an added tandem seat. Its nearly-flat, independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopies and footrests that can be adjusted are other highlights, while its large underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders round out the impressive set of features. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a the largest size when folded and is difficult for parents to store.